Cykelslangen (The Bicycle Snake)
A bright orange bicycle skybridge that snakes above Copenhagen’s harbor, Cykelslangen turns an everyday commute into a smooth, scenic glide between water and city.
Cykelslangen, the iconic orange Bicycle Snake in Copenhagen’s Vesterbro district, is a sleek, elevated cycle bridge that glides between harborfront buildings and over the water, separating bikes from pedestrians. Opened in 2014, this gently curving, bike‑only skyway has become a symbol of the city’s cycling culture, offering everyday commuters and curious visitors alike a uniquely urban vantage point on the transformed inner harbor.
A brief summary to Cykelslangen
- Cykelslangen, Vesterbro/Kongens Enghave, Vesterbro/Kongens Enghave, 1560, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Bring or rent a bike to fully experience the flowing ramp and gentle curves—riding the bridge is far more engaging than viewing it only from below.
- Avoid the weekday rush hours if you plan to stop for photos; commuters move quickly and space on the bridge is primarily for through traffic.
- Explore the quayside beneath the bridge to photograph its orange underside, slim white columns, and reflections in the harbor water.
- Come after dusk to see the bridge subtly illuminated and watch the stream of cyclists become a moving ribbon of light over the harbor.
- Combine your visit with a pause at the nearby harborfront seating areas to appreciate how the bridge weaves between buildings and connects key cycle routes.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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City Metro and Walk
Take the Copenhagen Metro line M4 to Havneholmen Station, which lies on the harborfront close to Vesterbro. From the station it is an easy 10–15 minute walk along level pavements and quayside paths to Cykelslangen, suitable for most visitors and pushchairs. Metro tickets within the central zones typically cost around 20–30 DKK one way, and trains run every few minutes throughout most of the day.
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S‑train and Short Walk
Use the S‑train network to reach Dybbølsbro Station, a major stop just behind the Fisketorvet shopping mall. The journey from Copenhagen Central Station takes about 3–5 minutes, with frequent departures and standard inner‑city ticket prices in the range of 20–30 DKK. From Dybbølsbro, allow roughly 10 minutes on foot along broad sidewalks and a pedestrian bridge to reach the harborfront and the ramp of Cykelslangen.
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City Bike or Rental Bicycle
Rent a bicycle from a local shop or public bike‑share stand in central Copenhagen and follow the signposted cycle tracks toward Vesterbro and Kalvebod Brygge. Depending on your starting point in the inner city, the ride to Cykelslangen typically takes 10–20 minutes on mostly flat, protected bike lanes. Expect daily rental prices around 100–200 DKK for a standard city bike; helmet use is optional but recommended, and be aware that local cyclists maintain a steady pace, especially at peak hours.
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Harbor Bus and Walk
Board a public harbor bus on the inner harbor route and disembark at a stop near Fisketorvet or Havneholmen on the western side. The boat ride offers a scenic approach and usually takes 10–25 minutes depending on the boarding point, with fares comparable to standard city bus and metro tickets at roughly 20–30 DKK. From the quay, a 5–10 minute walk along the waterfront brings you to the area beneath Cykelslangen; schedules can be slightly reduced in late evenings and on some winter days.
Cykelslangen location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
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Windy Conditions
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Cykelslangen
A bright orange ribbon above Copenhagen’s harbor
Cykelslangen, literally the Bicycle Snake, is one of Copenhagen’s most distinctive pieces of urban infrastructure: a slender, elevated bridge that carries cyclists in a bright orange sweep above the harborfront at Vesterbro. Designed by the architecture firm Dissing+Weitling and opened in 2014, it was conceived as the city’s first truly bike‑only bridge, celebrating cycling as a primary mode of transport rather than an afterthought squeezed alongside cars. From above, the structure traces a sinuous line between concrete towers, glass facades and the water of Gasværkshavnen below. At around 220 meters long and roughly 4.5 meters wide, it feels intimate in scale yet bold in presence, threading delicately between buildings on slender white columns while remaining unmistakable thanks to its vivid orange deck.Solving an awkward gap in the harborfront
Before Cykelslangen was built, cyclists heading between Kalvebod Brygge and Havneholmen had to wrestle their bikes down long staircases or edge cautiously through crowded pedestrian spaces. The bridge was designed to remove this pinch point entirely, offering a smooth, step‑free route that hovers about five to six meters above the quayside. In doing so, it transformed what had been an inconvenient detour into one of the city’s most enjoyable short rides. The Snake also completes a seamless connection between the harbor’s major cycle routes. One end links toward Bryggebroen, the earlier pedestrian‑and‑cycle bridge across the harbor, while the other curls toward the busy roads of Vesterbro and the wider network of so‑called super cycle highways radiating into the suburbs. In a city where more than half of commuters travel by bike, this elegant shortcut is now part of the daily rhythm.Designing for speed, safety and spectacle
Cykelslangen’s gentle gradients and flowing curves are carefully calculated to keep cyclists moving at a comfortable, controlled pace. The route winds just enough to encourage riders to ease off the pedals while still feeling the pleasant swoop of the descent toward the water. Guardrails are high and continuous, and the clear separation from pedestrians reduces conflicts, making the bridge feel both fast and safe. Its structural expression is restrained yet theatrical. The bridge deck rests on evenly spaced, slim supports that barely touch the ground, creating the sensation of a path floating in mid‑air. At night, subtle lighting traces the orange ribbon and reflects off the harbor, turning even a routine commute into a small urban spectacle. For those on foot below, the steady stream of cyclists overhead becomes part of the scenery.A living symbol of Copenhagen’s cycling culture
Within a short time of opening, the bridge carried far more cyclists each day than planners had originally predicted, underlining how attractive direct, high‑quality infrastructure can shift behavior. Today, Cykelslangen encapsulates Copenhagen’s broader ambitions: reducing car traffic, cutting emissions, and making everyday journeys more pleasant simply by making the bicycle the easiest option. For visitors, the bridge offers an accessible glimpse into this philosophy. Even if you are not commuting, rolling or strolling along its length reveals generous harbor views, lively activity on the adjacent quays, and layers of modern development rising where commercial docks once stood. The Bicycle Snake is both a functional shortcut and a quiet statement about how a city can be designed around human movement.Experiencing the Snake from saddle and shore
The most natural way to experience Cykelslangen is on two wheels, feeling the smooth transitions from street level down toward the water as the city unfolds at eye level. But there is just as much pleasure in pausing nearby, watching the continuous flow of orange‑framed silhouettes glide overhead. Benches and waterside steps around the harbor provide places to sit, gaze up at the structure, and observe the choreography of cyclists against the backdrop of Copenhagen’s evolving skyline. Whether you see it as infrastructure, urban sculpture, or both, Cykelslangen is a concise lesson in how a small intervention can reshape the experience of an entire neighborhood. It turns a once awkward corner by a shopping mall into a memorable urban moment where design, sustainability and everyday life meet above the water.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Cykelslangen
0.0 km
An elevated orange ribbon over Copenhagen’s harbor where cyclists glide above the water and visitors glimpse the city’s everyday bicycle culture in motion.
Havneholmen 33
0.2 km
Striking waterfront media headquarters in Copenhagen’s Havneholmen district, where modern Danish office architecture meets busy cycle bridges and harbour life.
Copenhagen Central Post Building
1.0 km
A majestic neo-Baroque landmark intertwining Denmark’s postal history with Vesterbro’s vibrant urban fabric, located beside Copenhagen’s bustling central railway station.
Copenhagen Central Station
1.1 km
Historic brick-and-timber rail hub at the heart of Copenhagen, combining grand architecture, everyday convenience and instant access to the city’s main sights.
Frihedsstøtten
1.2 km
Statuesque tribute to Danish freedom: Frihedsstøtten stands as a majestic milestone marking the abolition of serfdom at the vibrant gateway to Copenhagen's Vesterbro.
Copenhagen Visitor Service
1.3 km
Central, modern orientation center offering expert advice, resources, and insider tips for exploring Copenhagen’s sights, culture, and neighborhoods.
Enghaveparken
1.3 km
Historic art deco park with rose gardens, community events, family-friendly spaces, and a vibrant local atmosphere at the heart of Vesterbro, Copenhagen.
H. C. Andersens Blvd.
1.4 km
A broad, bustling boulevard where Hans Christian Andersen’s legacy meets City Hall Square, Tivoli’s lights, and the everyday pulse of central Copenhagen.
City Hall Square
1.5 km
Copenhagen’s City Hall Square is the city’s ceremonial heart, blending grand architecture, local traditions, lively events, and everyday urban buzz into one essential landmark.
The Stable Boy's House
1.5 km
A modest former service house on Frederiksholms Kanal, quietly recalling the working lives behind Copenhagen’s royal stables and the grandeur of nearby Christiansborg.
Lur Blowers
1.5 km
Bronze Age horns meet early 20th‑century grandeur in this 20‑metre column, where two silent lur players keep watch over Copenhagen’s bustling City Hall Square.
Frederiksholms Kanal
1.6 km
Discover the charm of Frederiksholms Kanal, Copenhagen's picturesque canal, perfect for peaceful strolls and cultural exploration.
Vandkunsten Springvand
1.6 km
A hidden gem where medieval water engineering meets early 20th-century artistry in Copenhagen's charming Old Town.
The War Museum
1.7 km
Explore 500 years of Danish military history in Copenhagen's historic arsenal.
Circle Bridge
1.7 km
A five-masted circle of light and steel where art, everyday crossings and Copenhagen’s maritime history meet above the waters of Christianshavn Canal.
Unmissable attractions to see
Islands Brygge
0.7 km
Copenhagen’s former industrial quay reborn as a sun-soaked harbourfront of swimming decks, lawns and laid-back city life along the inner waterfront.
VisitDenmark
0.7 km
Copenhagen's vibrant waterfront hub where urban swimming, green lawns, and waterside cafes create the perfect Danish hygge escape.
Øksnehallen
0.7 km
Vast former cattle hall turned cultural venue, Øksnehallen blends industrial heritage, daylight-filled architecture and flexible space for major fairs, art shows and events.
Freddys Bar
0.8 km
Discover Denmark’s maritime heritage and cutting-edge architecture at Helsingør’s award-winning M/S Maritime Museum, set in a stunning subterranean dry dock near Kronborg Castle.
Folkehuset Absalon
0.8 km
Copenhagen's beloved community gathering space where strangers share meals, create art, and build genuine connections.
Istedgade
0.9 km
Gritty, creative and endlessly watchable, Istedgade is Vesterbro’s main strip and Copenhagen’s classic showcase of everyday city life with an edge.
Legepladsen i Skydebanehaven
1.0 km
A colourful staffed playground tucked inside a historic walled park in Vesterbro, where giant parrots, paddling pools and lawns turn old shooting grounds into family fun.
Islands Brygge 18
1.0 km
A waterfront cultural house on Copenhagen’s harbour, blending performances, family activities and a relaxed café with open views across the city skyline.
Mikkeller Bar
1.0 km
Stændertorvet is Roskilde’s historic central square, bustling with markets, events, and iconic views of the UNESCO-listed cathedral at the city’s vibrant core.
Model train display
1.1 km
Discover the enchanting Model Train Display in Copenhagen, showcasing intricate landscapes and charming miniature railways for all ages.
Himmelskibet
1.1 km
Spin 80 meters high on the world's tallest carousel swing for breathtaking Copenhagen views.
Havnebadet Islands Brygge
1.1 km
Open‑air saltwater pools, diving towers and sun‑warmed decks turn Copenhagen’s inner harbour at Islands Brygge into an urban beach and everyday swimming hangout.
The Tube
1.1 km
Step into a World War II bomb shelter transformed into a mind-bending immersive experience with 17 interactive rooms.
Red Sightseeing Copenhagen
1.1 km
Hands-on science, vintage vehicles, and maritime history come together in this interactive, family-friendly branch of Malmö Museum, housed in an iconic industrial building.
Rutschebanen
1.2 km
A century-old wooden roller coaster weaving through a rocky mountain in Tivoli Gardens, where a live brakeman and rattling timber keep Copenhagen’s past in motion.
Essential places to dine
The Harbour
0.1 km
Calm, contemporary harbourfront dining inside Copenhagen Island hotel, pairing generous breakfasts and modern Nordic-inspired dishes with sweeping water views.
Je t'aime
0.4 km
Intimate Vesterbro bistro where candlelight, classic French dishes and a well‑chosen wine list bring a touch of Paris to a quiet Copenhagen side street.
MASH Penthouse
0.4 km
Skyline steakhouse on the 12th floor of Tivoli Hotel, blending premium cuts, crafted cocktails and sweeping Copenhagen views in a chic, velvety penthouse setting.
Kødbyens Fiskebar
0.6 km
Industrial-chic seafood in Copenhagen’s former Meatpacking District, where ultra-fresh Nordic fish, natural wines and a buzzing bar scene meet under one concrete roof.
Fleisch
0.7 km
A contemporary restaurant and butcher shop in Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District, Fleisch combines Nordic meat traditions with creative, communal dining in an atmospheric urban setting.
Paté Paté
0.7 km
Paté Paté offers Mediterranean-inspired dining and expertly curated wines in Vesterbro’s Meatpacking District, blending industrial charm with vibrant Copenhagen culinary culture.
Bevi Bevi
0.9 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine and exquisite wines at Bevi Bevi, a charming restaurant in the heart of Copenhagen.
Ristorante Buono
1.0 km
Cozy Vesterbro Italian with candlelit tables, generous pasta and risotto, and a relaxed neighbourhood feel in the heart of Copenhagen’s evening dining scene.
Cofoco
1.0 km
Cofoco in Vesterbro delights with accessible, innovative Danish and European tasting menus amid warm Scandinavian aesthetics and a true neighborhood spirit.
LUN restaurant & winebar
1.1 km
Andalusian-inspired tasting menus, serious wine and cocktails, and a warm candlelit atmosphere in the heart of Copenhagen’s Vesterbro district.
Smagsløget
1.1 km
Discover Smagsløget in Copenhagen: where traditional Danish flavors meet innovative culinary experiences in an inviting atmosphere.
Delphine
1.1 km
Stylish Mediterranean small plates in a visually stunning Vesterbro setting.
Maple Casual Dining
1.1 km
Intimate Copenhagen dinner spot on Vesterbrogade, serving polished home-style dishes, generous desserts and warm service in a cozy, modern neighborhood setting.
La Baracca Tivoli - Food Hall
1.2 km
Handmade Italian pasta and wine in the heart of Tivoli Food Hall, offering relaxed, counter-service dining steps from Copenhagen Central Station.
Retour Vesterbro
1.2 km
Relaxed French-inspired bistro in the heart of Vesterbro, serving generous steaks, classic comfort dishes and cocktails in a warm, urban Copenhagen setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Fisketorvet Copenhagen Mall
0.1 km
Scandinavia's premier shopping destination with 120+ brands, world-class cinema, and waterfront charm.
Funky Junky
0.9 km
Discover Vesterbro’s Funky Junky—a vibrant vintage store featuring retro furniture, unique fashion, and Danish design, perfectly reflecting Copenhagen’s creative soul.
Tivoli Gift Shop
1.1 km
A compact slice of Tivoli Gardens magic just outside the park gates, perfect for picking up Copenhagen souvenirs before or after your visit.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
1.2 km
Compact, colorful and full of playful Danish design, this Vesterbrogade shop turns everyday essentials, gifts and games into a fun, low-cost treasure hunt.
C. G. Nordic clothing and gifts
1.3 km
A small Vesterbro boutique where Nordic clothing, cozy textiles and design-led gifts capture the understated charm of contemporary Scandinavian style.
Souvenir Gift Shop
1.3 km
Compact, central and colourful, this Vesterbrogade gift shop is a quick and easy stop for Copenhagen-themed souvenirs between Tivoli, Vesterbro and the Central Station.
Artikel København
1.3 km
Family-run Copenhagen atelier where timeless, unisex garments are designed, cut and sewn in an open workshop on historic Gammel Kongevej.
Wonderful Souvenirs
1.6 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
Danish Souvenirs
1.6 km
Central Copenhagen’s one‑stop Strøget shop for Little Mermaid trinkets, Viking keepsakes and easy last‑minute gifts before you say farvel to Denmark.
Viking Souvenirs
1.6 km
Lively Strøget souvenir shop packed with Viking‑themed gifts, Danish icons and suitcase‑friendly mementos, ideal for quick last‑minute presents in central Copenhagen.
Souvenir Shop
1.7 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
Carmen Copenhagen
1.7 km
Compact vintage treasure trove in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where characterful clothes, curated racks, and cozy atmosphere turn slow browsing into a small adventure.
København K
1.7 km
Hidden in a Latin Quarter courtyard, København K is a long-standing Copenhagen vintage shop packed with curated second-hand fashion, denim and quirky homeware finds.
Wasteland
1.8 km
A high-energy vintage hub in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, packed with curated 80s, 90s and Y2K streetwear, denim and accessories in a distinctly urban setting.
Quirky Lane
1.8 km
Copenhagen's eclectic pink-walled vintage boutique where sustainable fashion meets curated character.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Jolene Bar
0.5 km
Industrial‑chic, late‑night beats in Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District, blending laid‑back bar vibes with a no‑frills, LGBTQ‑friendly dance floor.
Mesteren & Lærlingen
0.6 km
Discover the lively bar scene at Mesteren & Lærlingen, where cocktails meet vibrant DJ beats in the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife.
1656 Cocktail Bar
0.8 km
Hidden behind an unmarked door in Vesterbro, 1656 serves inventive cocktails in a dimly lit, speakeasy-style hideaway made for slow, late-night conversations.
Spunk
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Spunk, a lively bar in Copenhagen offering a diverse drinks menu and an inviting atmosphere for all.
Pier5 Bar
0.9 km
Waterfront cocktails and harbor views in Copenhagen's contemporary hotel bar.
Jernbanecafeen
1.0 km
Densely decorated, railway‑themed pub opposite Copenhagen Central Station, where model trains, red carpets and cold beer create a lively Vesterbro living room.
Riesen Bar
1.0 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Riesen Bar, where great drinks and lively atmosphere come together for an unforgettable evening.
CUBE bar
1.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at CUBE Bar, a stylish venue offering exquisite drinks and a lively atmosphere.
Curfew
1.1 km
Discover Curfew in Copenhagen: a chic cocktail bar offering innovative drinks and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for your night out.
Duck and Cover - Cocktailbar
1.2 km
Experience exquisite cocktails in a stylish ambiance at Duck and Cover, Copenhagen's premier cocktail bar for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Library Bar
1.2 km
Experience Copenhagen's luxurious Library Bar, where sophisticated cocktails meet an inviting atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
The Marble Bar
1.2 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
Lidkoeb
1.3 km
Discover Lidkoeb, a vibrant cocktail bar in Copenhagen, renowned for its innovative drinks and lively atmosphere, perfect for nightlife enthusiasts.
The House of Machines Copenhagen
1.3 km
Award-winning cocktail bar with industrial soul and live music in Copenhagen's Vesterbro.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
1.4 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
KB3
0.5 km
Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at KB3, a lively night club in Vesterbro offering unforgettable music and vibrant experiences.
Baggen
0.6 km
Discover the electrifying atmosphere of Baggen, where Copenhagen's nightlife comes alive with vibrant music and unforgettable experiences.
The Union
0.7 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Union, Copenhagen's premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable experience.
Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub, where adult entertainment meets unforgettable performances.
CristalClubCopenhagen
0.9 km
Dive into Copenhagen's nightlife at Cristal Club, where upscale ambiance meets electrifying music and unforgettable experiences.
Vela Lesbian Lgbtq+ NightClub
1.1 km
Experience the inclusive spirit and vibrant nightlife at Vela Lesbian LGBTQ+ Nightclub in Copenhagen, where every night is a celebration of love and diversity.
Never Mind
1.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
Module
1.4 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Den Anden Side
1.4 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Copenhagen at Den Anden Side, a techno haven for party lovers and night owls.
Club Mambo
1.5 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
1.6 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Zefside
1.6 km
Intimate cocktail den turned late-night dance spot, Zefside blends crafted drinks, DJ beats and canal-side charm in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Dorsia
1.7 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Cosy Bar
1.7 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Miami Bar
1.8 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Minimalist Designs
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
- Colorful Backdrops
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Cultural Heritage
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
